So, saw this little "gem" on the weekend. To be honest, it was a lot better than I expected, and Kristen Stewart was as bad as I thought. I do not mean to be harsh, but there just wasn't any range in her acting, or even in its basest form, expression. Like facial expression. She smiled like once in the film, and the rest was a very similar half open look of bewilderment. Granted it is a somewhat trite and token story, but at the same time, you cannot help but compare her to some of her more accomplished co-stars. Even Chris Hemsworth, who playing the titular Huntsman (the typical big-lug-with-a-heart-of-gold) was entertaining, turning a role that was as dry, stale, and 2 dimensional as cardboard into something fun and watchable. Then there is Charlize Theron, about whom I cannot speak enough praise! Forgetting her other works, seeing the range of emotion in her role as Queen Ravenna was incredible; the fear, loathing, hatred, jealousy, paranoia. Spectacular!
Strange how such a simple film based on an ill over-used property could become an exemplary exposition in comparative acting. If there were ever any doubt as to the merits of a real actor, that acting were itself a true profession, one has only see the results on display here. Whereas it was so easy and a delight to watch Theron and Hemsworth, it was painful and required much effort to watch Stewart.
Also, the nod to Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke was a humourous surprise.
When all is said and done, I have to ask if the film itself is actually fun, and to be honest, it seemed a little long. However, if this is something you can bare with, the film is definitely worth watching for Charlize Theron's performance, the esteemable Chris Hemsworth, and some of its (borrowed) visuals.
